FAFSA Information
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, is your starting point for federal financial aid. We recommend that you complete your FAFSA as early as possible after it becomes available. You should fill out a FAFSA for every year you attend school.
You can complete your FAFSA and find out more information, including frequently asked questions, at studentaid.gov. Use Columbia's school code: 001665.
Recent changes in the FAFSA availability date make it easier than ever. For 2023-24 school year, you'll use 2021 income and tax information, imported directly from the IRS. For the 2022-23 school year, you'll use 2020 income and tax information, imported directly from the IRS. This means you'll already have done your taxes when you complete the FAFSA, and you may be able to automatically import your tax information using the IRS Data Retrieval tool.
Some tips on FAFSA:
- The FAFSA process is quicker and easier when you have a username and password called an FSA ID. If your parent is providing information on your FAFSA, he or she will need an FSA ID as well.
- It's helpful to have the following information available when you complete a FAFSA: social security number or alien registration number; federal tax information or tax returns; records of untaxed income; cash, savings, and checking account balances; and investments other than the home in which you live.
If you have any questions about the FAFSA process, please contact Columbia Central.
